SCHOOL MOURNS SLAIN TAZNE, 8
Ex-con released on parole charged with murder
THE usually busy Eurecon Primary School playground in Elsies River, where murdered 8-year-old Tazne van Wyk was enrolled, was empty yesterday as the school closed early to mourn her death.
Children as young as six have been offered counselling following the discovery of their friend’s body in a stormwater pipe in Worcester.
The man who is apparently behind all the trauma, Moyhdian Pangkaeker, 54, is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court today on charges of kidnapping and murder, and more charges against him are expected.
Tazne was reported missing on February 7 after being last seen going to a nearby shop to buy an ice lolly.
Pangkaeker immediately became a person of interest, and was nabbed in Cradock this week after being on the run for nearly three weeks.
“As family we would like to thank everyone who helped search for Tazne. I want to know from the president: how could you allow someone like this out of jail ? How many more children must die?” her aunt Samantha Viljoen asked.
Pangkaeker was released on parole in October 2016 after being sentenced to 10 years behind bars for culpable homicide in 2008.
Two days before Tazne’s disappearance, Pangkaeker was expected in court again, but the matter could not proceed because he did not pitch for his case.
Tazne’s father Terence Manuel broke down several times yesterday during a Cape Times visit to the area.
Her mother, Carmen van Wyk, has been admitted to hospital.
The Western Cape Education Department said four counsellors were sent to the school.
SA Human Rights Commissioner Chris Nissen visited the family home and condemned the killing of the little girl.
He said it was important to engage the parole board to consult residents before granting parole to offenders of serious crimes.
“I don’t think we can allow people like that in our communities. Some crime categories should not allow people in the community,” said Nissen.
A moment of silence in honour of Tazne was held outside Parliament during a Cosatu-led march.
The crowd demanded National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli encourage effective resources to be implemented in communities to protect children.
“We have heard your grievance and we will communicate them with the committees of Parliament that are dealing with the issues.
to complete an undergraduate degree in Visual Communication at Stellenbosch University, followed by an Honours degree and, finally, a Master’s degree.
She did part-time graphic design work while studying, as well as countless internships.
She also volunteered with an NGO called Art with Heart Africa.
Cupido has illustrated two children’s books, called Lucy’s Dream and Celebrating Omar.
“I am the only one in the household with a tertiary education. I feel obliged to take care of my family. I truly feel very overwhelmed.
“At the end of the day. I have to thank the Lord. It has been quite a journey in a short time. I am totally ecstatic.
“I have been personally responding to every individual.”
She thanked everyone who had reached out and supported her in any way.
University of the Western Cape spokesperson Gasant Abarder tweeted that the institution wanted to offer Cupido a job, but had been “beaten to the punch”.
“I just spoke to Cameron Cupido now and I’m delighted to report that she has been given a permanent job by a marketing company in the Cape Town CBD, who beat me to the chance of offering her an opportunity at Udubs. So heartwarming,” Abarder said.
About 8.2 million, or 40.1% of South Africa’s 20.4 million young people aged 15 to 34, are not employed, studying or in training of any sort, according to the latest figures released recently by Stats SA in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey.